Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.
Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.
A dramatic comparison emerged it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display evoking memories from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.
Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his former iconic role now regard him.
It was a day of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.
Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing which minimized the threat of opposing winger to a spectator, reduced to表演 – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.
All his interventions drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, vocals celebrating him passionately, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, confirming he was now part of history.
Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits of head coach Arne Slot.
The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.
If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on alongside the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name called.
At the moment when he would miss the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as a late replacement as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.
Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly out of play.
The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.
The evening belonged to Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to amplify the support.
And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, responded with a performance that represented their peak during this campaign, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.
The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, commenting: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Losses demand all of your time since you desperately need to change it, but you also try to stay consistent and character when you are winning.
It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider in Paris.
Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.
The close scoreline hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a position that should secure direct qualification avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.
Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.
Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure in defense as the French star was neutralized, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.
If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager announces his team for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.
The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|
